The 13 best Instagram photo locations in Hong Kong

Sick of snapping the same old shot of the Island skyline? These photo ops will help you get the likes rolling in

Picking the best photo spots in Hong Kong is tough. After all, our city was practically built for Instagram. There are amazing skyscrapers, beautiful beaches, vibrant neon signs, plenty of fancy looking food and even incredible rocks! What more do you need? Well, how about a guide that makes sure you can hit all the Instagram famous photo spots in Hong Kong so you can make all your followers jealous? That’s what we’re here for. Alternatively, just use this guide to have fun with your friends and to capture some memories. After all, it’s only Instagram, right? By Jianne Soriano, Jacinta Ruscillo and Douglas Parkes

13 best Instagram photo locations in Hong Kong

1

Choi Hung Estate

Now something of a local icon thanks to Instagram – not that the residents here are super happy about that – the vibrant Choi Hung Estate is one of the oldest public housing estates in the city. Literally meaning ‘Rainbow Estate’, this bright and beaming backdrop, painted eight different colours, is a perennial Insta favourite because of how the aesthetically in sync colours, which produce photos that are contoured, warm and popping.

Western District Public Cargo Working Area

These days, the distinctly unromantic sounding Western District Public Cargo Working Area is more commonly referred to as ‘Instagram Pier’. Not even officially a public area, the location is popular for its sunset views, gritty-looking cargo containers and bamboo scaffolding. Not enough for you? Eye-popping mirror in the sky effects, where the sky is reflected on the water, are regular occurrences and make for spectacular photos.

Lok Wah South Estate

Feel your major throwback vibes itching? Look no further than Lok Wah South Estate and its beloved circular photo op. This blue-coloured play area whispers of childhood memories spent outdoors rather than glued to electronic devices at home. It also calls for fun and playful photographs, just like this one.

Nam Shan Estate Playground

Lovers of urban photography and grungy backdrops go gaga over Nam Shan Estate’s gritty aesthetics. Located in Shep Kip Mei, the location, specifically the playground area, promises symmetry, perfect lighting and all-round coolness. If you visit at the right time, you might even get a few kids in the frame to help season your pic with ‘realness’ for some much desired authenticity.

Lai Tak Tsuen

Loved for its curves, this housing estate in Tai Hang is one of the most unique architectural structures in the city. On the outside – much less photographed – the estate’s blue colour echoes the warmness of a summer sky, luring in Instagrammers.

Jockey Club Innovation Tower

Designed by Pritzker Prize winner Zaha Hadid, the Jockey Club Innovation Tower resembles a futuristic spaceship ready to take flight. It echoes Hadid’s vision of Hong Kong as a growing creative hub – the perfect location for artistic photos, then. The white interiors and crisscrossing staircases emit a sleek and chic feel.

Ping Shek Estate

Ping Shek Estate’s monochromatic and symmetrical design is perfect for cool snapshots. The famous ‘look up’ shot is one of the most replicated in Hong Kong. Bonus points if a bird or an aeroplane gets in the frame.

Yik Cheong Building

Known for its industrial and residential complexes, Quarry Bay is an ideal spot to capture Hong Kong’s famed urban density. Yik Cheong Building and Montane Mansion are the most well-known locations and have even featured in movies like Ghost in the Shell and Transformers: Age of Extinction. So popular is this spot that a sign has now been erected stating visitors should ask for permission before taking photos, but it has done little to deter the many happy snappers.

Sai Wan Swimming Shed

The Sai Wan Swimming Shed is the only swimming shed in Hong Kong still open to the public. Carefully tucked away from the sprawl of nearby high-rise buildings, this gem offers a picturesque view of crashing waves and seaside views.

Wai Yip Street Pedestrian Bridge

There are few pedestrian flyovers anywhere that can boast as many Instagram hits as Wai Yip Street Bridge can. Originally made famous by being a location in hit movie Love in a Puff, the spot is hailed for its cool views on the outside, brushed concrete streaked with colour on the inside and generally endless photo ops. Whether you’re walking nonchalantly into its one-point perspective or perching precariously outside one of the windows, you’re guaranteed plenty of likes with this as background.

Graham Street

Love it or loathe it, local graffiti artist Alex Croft’s mural on Graham Street, just around the corner from GOD, has drawn the attention of Instagrammers all over the globe. As far as street art goes, it ticks all the IG boxes: it’s vibrant, it’s sufficiently famous and it’s the perfect spot to show off your #OOTD.

China Hong Kong City

Marvel over China Hong Kong City’s gold-coloured screen walls as they shimmer all around over you. Nestled in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, this Instagram spot is at its best during sunset when its extreme colouring gives off an iridescent glow.

A post shared by heartpatrick (@heartpatrick) on Apr 20, 2017 at 6:35am PDT

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13

Cape D’Aguilar

Cape D’Aguilar, at the southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island, provides a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city’s skyscrapers. The lighthouse, the oldest one still standing in the territory, is a declared monument of Hong Kong and a fortunate survivor of history. However, it’s the magnificent ocean views, incredible mountains and Insta-worthy sunsets that are the real draw here.